What if the import agent has gone out of business?
Reviewed 2026-07-10
Short answer
You need to reconstruct the evidence trail from whatever records remain; do not assume DVLA can register the vehicle without HMRC/import proof.
Official position
GOV.UK lists the documents needed for NOVA/CARS handling, including customs documents or MRN, purchase or valuation evidence, and official VIN or chassis evidence. If the agent is gone, those documents may need to come from the seller, shipping records, customs paperwork, old emails or HMRC correspondence.
What to do
Search for old emails, invoices, bills of lading, port documents, MRN references, C88/E2 documents and payment receipts.
Ask the seller and previous owner for any import-agent correspondence they still hold.
Get a current valuation and official VIN/chassis evidence if HMRC needs CARS-route support for an old import.
Treat the vehicle as high paperwork risk until HMRC import status can be confirmed.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the agent going out of business removes the need for import evidence.
- Sending the V55/5 with a covering letter but no HMRC/import trail.
- Failing to get written seller cooperation before buying.
Related help
Official sources
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